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View SlideshowRequest to buy this photoCourtney Hergesheimer | DispatchThe area of empty buildings controlled by Tonti Organization, on High Street north of Gay Street, jokingly is referred to by some as “Death Valley.”

A cluster of three long-vacant buildings on N. High Street is familiar to Downtown workers and
residents alike. You know the area — a faded Madison’s sign graces the front of the empty
department store. Across the street, surface parking lots.

“It’s such a prominent block,” said Kevin Wood, who has lived Downtown for nine years. Then
again, he adds: “It’s an entirely dead block.”

Some Downtown officials have another name for it.

“We jokingly call it Death Valley,” said Cleve Ricksecker, who leads the Capital Crossroads
Special Improvement District, which works to improve the area.

The lack of development is frustrating to residents, city officials and retailers. The latter
say they are hesitant about stepping into an area that is missing a vibrant cluster of businesses
such as the restaurants and shops along Gay Street.

In January, the Downtown Residents Association of Columbus wrote to Mayor Michael B. Coleman
with a list of suggestions to improve Downtown. Among them: “Urge owners of critical vacant
properties to develop them, using taxation, zoning or whatever means available to do so.”

Michelle Chippas, a Downtown Residents Association board member, said she suggests penalizing
property owners if they don’t try to do something with their buildings.

“Entrepreneurs are looking for opportunity,” Chippas said. “They’re held back by property owners
sitting on these buildings and not making them available.”

City Council spokesman John Ivanic said that while the city has done a “fantastic” job
converting blighted space into commercial use, some dead zones remain.

“Clearly, this is an area that needs attention.”

Tonti Organization, which controls the block, did not return phone calls.

According to the Franklin County auditor’s website, the market value for the three properties
from 72 to 82 N. High is $830,000. Property records indicate that Tonti began acquiring the
properties in 1995.

Chippas said other cities push property owners to do something with vacant commercial buildings.
Chicago, for example, requires owners to pay $250 every six months to register their vacant
buildings with the city, and maintain a liability insurance policy of at least $1 million for
commercial structures.

In Washington, D.C., blighted vacant buildings are taxed at a higher rate.

A 2010 study by Boulevard Strategies estimated the annual retail-spending potential along N.
High Street between Broad and Spring streets at $140 million.

Donnie Austin, who owns House Wine in Worthington, said he considered opening a second location
Downtown, but couldn’t find a space that suited him, including along Gay Street.

Austin has applied for space through a KickStart Columbus competition, which promises the winner
free rent for ayear at three locations along S. 3rd Street between Rich and Main streets, as well
as reduced rates for two more years. The deadline to apply was March 1.

Downtown needs to build on the successes it has, said Kacey Brankamp, Capital Crossroads’ retail
recruiter. Dead zones such as the former Madison’s location don’t help, she said.